Fulco Photography & Fine Art

    Beethoven and Napoleon: Decomposing Symphony Number 3 " Eroica" By Mark Alan Fulco Overture The year is 1802. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), a renowned composer, lived in Vienna at the age of 31. This city was the capital of the Austrian Empire and the center of the modern music world. Here, Beethoven would compose a symphony that would spark controversy from its title to its inner workings. This symphony, Symphony Number 3, Opus 55, Eroica, would establish Beethoven's reputation as a world-famous and even legendary composer. It would also be a turning point for him, both financially and mentally. The inspiration for the symphony initially was an underdog Corsican by the name of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), who became a military hero, then a political hero, and ultimately decided to become Emperor of France. Beethoven liked and admired Napoleon up until that last point. By 1802, Beethoven had achieved financial independence. However, due to this success,...